“One day.” She sighed.
I scooped up our small satchels, before looping her arm through mine. Together, we made our way to the main entrance of the castle.
As expected, Anna and Caelo were already there, beneath the dawn-soaked enchanted sky, preparing our horses for the journey. Judging by the full saddlebags, the royal house had provided us with much food and water, a kindness I would not forget. Just as I wouldn’t forget my time in the Kingdom of Dergia.
“Prince Vale, Princess Neve.” A dwarf appeared and bowed. “We were already preparing Prince Thordur’s and Princess Bavirra’s horses and tried to assist Sir Caelo and Lady Anna, but they would not allow it.”
“Don’t fret,” Neve said. “It’s not a reflection on your work ethic. Caelo likes to be thorough.”
Among friends, Caelo knew how to let loose and have fun, but when he slipped into his Clawsguard duties, he liked to be in complete control. And now that he considered both me and Neve under his watch, he’d be extra cautious.
“Thank you, Princess Neve.” The dwarf looked at her shyly, clearly relieved not to be found lacking. “I’ll continue preparations.”
He left, and we veered toward our friends before anyone else could appear. Caelo saw us first. He, like Anna, Neve, and myself, looked much rested and well fed after our time beneath the mountain.
“Is it odd that I’m looking forward to getting back in thesaddle?” Caelo asked. “To feel the wind on my cheeks again?”
“It’sverystrange, not that I’d expect anything different from you Winterborn lot,” Anna retorted playfully. “You’re all a touch crazy about the cold.”
I laughed. “Strange or not, I agree.”
“Honestly, though, why can’t your kind stand a little warmth?” Anna pulled her own fur cloak tight around her.
“We’re born of ice and frost. Some of us more so than others.” I drew Neve closer, remembering the day winter had exploded from her, turning her blue.
Anna’s gaze steered to her friend. “Well, I guess all good things must end. We’re mostly packed, just waiting for?—”
“A handsome prince?” Thordur’s voice boomed from behind.
I turned to find the king, queen, Prince Thordur, and Princess Bavirra marching outside. The siblings were dressed warmly too, for they planned to see us through the maze tunnels beneath the mountains and down a pass before pointing out a town with a coinary. I exhaled, pleased at the small send off. We’d already said goodbye to many of the humans and the other Fellhelm siblings.
“And a cunning princess,” Neve added with a grin.
She and Bavirra had become fast friends these past days.
“You get both for another day or so.” Bavirra winked as she went to her horse and began checking the stirrups. “Longer if we run into trouble.”
“Stars, I hope we don’t run into those giant ice spiders.” Neve shuddered.
We’d been told that the creatures, along with manyothers, sometimes found their way into the mine tunnels that dwarves used to travel through the mountains.
“Tell me true,” Neve continued, “what’s the likelihood of that?”
“I’ve only heard the ice spider alarm sound twice,” the queen assured Neve. “The path you’re taking has soldiers stationed along the way to sound alarms and fight off the beasts, so it’s very rare that they venture down those tunnels. I think you’ll be fine.”
Prince Thordur nodded down at my hands. “I see you got the daggers.”
I lifted the leather package, bowing to the king and queen in thanks. “I have yet to open and distribute them.”
“Well, go on,” Caelo said, eyes gleaming. For a knight to own one weapon made ofzupriansteel was unusual. Once he chose his dagger, my best friend would own both a sword—a recent nameday gift from me—and a dagger.
I untied the leather string and opened the flaps to reveal the sheathed daggers. Picking one up, I marveled at the sheath and the mountains drawn along the length. The craftsfae decorated the bronze and bone hilt with small hammers and snowflakes. Personalized for us—fae of the wider Winter’s Realm who had seen the innermost secrets of the dwarves. The others looked much the same, though the patterns differed, so we could tell them apart.
“The same range that houses this very kingdom,” Thordur stated. “The middle mountain, the tallest, of course, is the heart of Dergia.”
“Astonishing craftsmanship.” I unsheathed the blade.My breath caught, taking in the wavy lines of thezupriansteel. The dagger was stunning in every regard.
“We hope you like them,” Thordur commented.
